The Grenada gazette., 1887-10-01
UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
The Church Thief Captured by
Susie Curtis.

Mrs. Behon was stickler for tn,
proprietes,
Mrs Nrtis was not.
Mrs. Belton frequently gave Mrs
Curtis what she considered sound ad
vice.
Mrs. Curtis returned the compliment
she never took it.
The last time she called Mrs. Belton
showed quite at1ectionate solieitude for
the well-beiug of her friends pretty
daughter.
"Doar Mrs. Curtis" she began,
'you really should be more careful OF
Susie. 1t is most dangerous for her to
60 frequently to the church alone
But she must practice on the or
gam" Susie S mother responded, meek
ly; "you know there is to be a grand
choral service next Sunday for the new
minister, who is to preach for the first
time
Mrs, Belton generally ignored oppo-
si,ion; . splendid means to get your
own way,
think Of its lonely situation in the
fields" she pursued, referring to the
church. ''Thcre was tramp down in
the village last night It's not proper
for her to 60 there alone
but she's done so ever since she
took the organ, and no harm ever
came of it, Besides she doesn't 90
alone; she takes Emily Hammond to
work the bellows"
.'DOes she leave the door open?' de-
manded Mrs. Belton, in magisterial
tones
"I-sappose she does" rcjoined Mrs.
Curtis, with hesitation.
~ knew it'' exclaimed Mrs. Belton,
with the air of having convicted Susie
of a capital offensc. "Be sure to tell
her in future to lock it on the inside;''
and Mrs. Belton took her leave. su.
premely satisfied with herself. Moth
ing delighted her SO much as managing
other people.
Miss Susie was excessively amused
when her mother talked over the visit
that evening.
"Never mind, mother-kins," she
said, caressing her parent. (Suse had
pretty little pet ways.) It's father
late in the day to lock the door now.
OF course the church is in y lonely sit
nation; that makes it all the safer. be-
cause nobody ever comes"
"Still, dear, l think you'd better do
it," urged her mother.
''Now, mamma, you know Mrs. Bel
ton always has something to complain
Of, it would put us on par with her
self il she Hadn't. That is too absurd
after all the hours l have spent there
unmolested.
The following afternoon she related
the incident to Emily Hammond with
great glee, as they mounted the stairs
to the organ loft The latter did not
take 30 cheerful view Of the subject,
begging permission to run back and
fasten the door on the inside.
This Susie would not hear Of, and
presently they both forgot every thing
else in the grand march she was play.
ing. Then followed the chants, then
the hymns. finally Susie stopped.
II declare could play on forever"
she sighol, ''just one more voluntary,
and then we'll 60"
whats that?' said Emily, peering
over the gallery.
'Only me-" from Susie.
''No. no; mean that queer rafting
sound."
Susie twisted around and leaned over
the railing.
"l's some one turning the key" she
muttered.
Emily grew white as death.
"Let's 60 home,' she cried.
"Hush," Susie whispered. 'look
here"
Over pieces Of wood lying near the
furnace for winter use stumbled heavy
feet, next the tall form OF man was
Deen in enc Of the aisles.
1.-THE tramp exclaimed Susie in
Irsgie whisper. Emily, what'll we
1Op"
Miss Hammond had already an.
swercd that question. She'd crept like
! cat down stairs, and was now on the
porch. Susie followed swiftly. She
ysvs ono glance in passing at the in.
truder, who was now at the top Of the
,hsrch with his back to her, and was
'herefore unaware Of her ,presenos.
s:Blssk, bushy hair" shs thoughx